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Jewish

2020-01-31T17:54:54-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Swimming in the Sea of Jewish Tradition

Last updated on: January 31, 2020 at 5:54 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

I named this post as a play on the title of the excellent book, Swimming in the Sea of Talmud, by Rabbi Gershon Schwartz. The work is a readable, insightful introduction to, and sampling of, the wisdom in the Talmud. A few years ago, a group of ten or so of us from my local Temple met for a few weeks to read and discuss this book together – it was a delightful and enriching experience. The book recognizes the... Read more

2020-01-23T15:50:08-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A Return to Blogging – Open Table Judaism – Why the World Needs Judaism

Last updated on: January 23, 2020 at 3:50 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve blogged here. Sometimes, you simply run out of things to say. And talking all the time isn’t always healthy – reflection, silence, observation, rumination – all have their place. Now, after a long break, I’m returning to blogging in what the ancient Chinese proverb wryly calls, “interesting times.” Living in Interesting Times Much has changed since I was last blogging. The Trump presidency has divided the nation and shown a... Read more

2019-05-14T16:24:37-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

When Sexual Ideology Coopts Religion

Last updated on: May 14, 2019 at 4:24 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

As a gay man who has engaged a variety of religious traditions, my experiences have been – varied. While I’m heartened when a religious institution, congregation, denomination, etc. is “open and affirming”, that initial optimism can be quickly dampened if the acceptance morphs into “tokenism.” “This is our gay member,” someone says, showing you off to emphasize their open mindedness or largesse. Granted, I’ll take being a token and accepted over being rejected anyday. Yet what troubles me often is... Read more

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2019-05-14T16:25:35-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Opening the Covenant

Last updated on: May 14, 2019 at 4:25 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

Jewish theology understands itself as the result of several, interconnected Covenants described in the Hebrew Scriptures. The biblical view of Covenant is similar to that of a contract, although a Covenant is much more solemn – it’s not a business arrangement, but a sacred relationship, much like a marriage. A Covenant binds two parties together, committing each to a set of responsibilities and obligations. There’s the Covenant with Abraham, then one with Noah (but that’s intended for everyone, not just... Read more

Jewish Christian Relations

sinai

2019-05-14T16:26:31-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

HARD AND SOFT THEISM – THE REALITY OF OUR GOD/GODS

Last updated on: May 14, 2019 at 4:26 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

Hard Theism I know a lot of religious people. I have many Christian friends who have a deep, seemingly real relationship with Jesus and who speak about Jesus and God (the Christian one, that is) as if they are persons who they converse with regularly. I have Pagan friends who claim to be in communication with The Morrigan, the Dagda, or some other deity – and for these folks, The Morrigan is just as real as Jesus is for the... Read more

Biblical Interpretation

2019-05-14T16:27:22-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Jewish Wheel of the Year: Calling Forth the Sacred From the Mundane

Last updated on: May 14, 2019 at 4:27 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

The Jewish High Holy Days are upon us. Learn about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and other important holidays. Read more

2019-05-13T14:32:20-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Theological Method – Jewish Theology Pt. VIII – Last in Series

Last updated on: May 13, 2019 at 2:32 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

LISTENING TO THE WORLD – JUDAISM AS PHENOMENOLOGY From a Jewish perspective, the foundation of spirituality is the human capacity of being called by something beyond ourselves, something that both speaks to our nature and is yet embedded there. In moments of quiet honesty, we find ourselves with a given orientation – and that orientation offers itself up as an approach to our better selves – it is the voice of our own objective nature calling us toward fulfillment. We... Read more

Biblical Interpretation

2019-05-14T16:27:31-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Can we talk … about sex? Jewish theology Pt. VII – Sexual Ethics

Last updated on: May 14, 2019 at 4:27 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

Can we talk? I mean, really … can we dialog … about sex? This post will be slightly difficult, because many Jews differ with Christians (and vice-versa) about the meaning of human sexuality and sexual ethics. I know, I know … but let’s take things one step at a time … at least for the sake of mutual understanding. When we’re done, I welcome your questions, objections, and insights – please, feel free to comment. I want to remind the... Read more

Biblical Interpretation

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2019-05-14T16:27:38-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A Jewish Social Vision – Jewish Theology, Pt. VI

Last updated on: May 14, 2019 at 4:27 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

Jewish theology has abundant philosophical and ethical principles pertaining to society, culture, economics, and human interaction. The Hebrew Scriptures, and other Jewish sacred writings, offer a myriad of teachings aimed at ordering society according to justice and mercy. On a personal note, having formally studied both Catholic Social Teaching and Jewish theology and social ethics, I can say that there is tremendous overlap. Both traditions share a similar set of principles, operate from similar foundations, and reach overlapping conclusions. There... Read more

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2019-05-14T16:27:43-04:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Spirituality & Practice – Jewish Theology, Pt. V

Last updated on: May 14, 2019 at 4:27 pm By Gregory Eran Gronbacher

Many Christians’ first (and sometimes only) encounter with Judaism is through the Gospels and Christian theology. However, the Gospels largely present a form of Judaism that largely no longer exists. Additionally, the Gospels present the Pharisees as Jesus’ Jewish foil, and therefore, many of the descriptions and stories have a somewhat polemical purpose. Much of Jesus’ ministry focused on a genuine spirituality that transcended legalism and ritual purity concerns – and often the legalism of the Pharisees was exaggerated... Read more

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